An old proverb states, that “the shoemaker always wears the worst shoes”.

Its origin is simple economics. Artisans in the past were earning so little money that they often could not pay for their product. Today, this proverb is often used in a context, in which the professional doesn’t apply or use his professionalism for himself.

It is an even more stunning experience when the essence of professionalism is integrity.

I’ve seen it happen over and over in the personal development industry. Interestingly it might again be an economic reason. The challenge people often experience is to find a way to connect the growth and economic development of an organization with the ideas of developing the people within that organization.

Unaware of the possibility to deal with polarities, they follow the lead a culture leaning towards performance teaches. They focus on growth, growth, and growth.

From there they don’t find a path to walk their talk.